Pest identification
What's eating my guzmania 'exodus'?
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan shell-like bumps on leaves and flower bracts; sticky honeydew and sooty mould
Control: Scrub off with a toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply horticultural oil to reach remaining crawlers
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white colonies in the leaf axils and around the cup rim; foliage yellows and loses gloss
Control: Swab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; spray the whole plant with neem oil solution every 7–10 days
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale stippling on leaves; very fine webbing in warm, dry rooms
Control: Boost humidity, mist foliage, and treat with insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly for 3 weeks
Keep guzmania 'exodus' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Guzmania 'Exodus' pests — FAQ
What is eating my guzmania 'exodus'?
Guzmania 'Exodus' is a vividly coloured tank bromeliad most commonly attacked by scale insects and mealybugs hiding in its leaf axils and under bracts. Spider mites can appear in dry air. Keep the central cup topped with fresh water and inspect leaf bases monthly — early detection prevents colony build-up.
How do I get rid of scale insects on guzmania 'exodus'?
Brown or tan shell-like bumps on leaves and flower bracts; sticky honeydew and sooty mould Scrub off with a toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply horticultural oil to reach remaining crawlers
How do I get rid of mealybugs on guzmania 'exodus'?
Fluffy white colonies in the leaf axils and around the cup rim; foliage yellows and loses gloss Swab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; spray the whole plant with neem oil solution every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of spider mites on guzmania 'exodus'?
Fine pale stippling on leaves; very fine webbing in warm, dry rooms Boost humidity, mist foliage, and treat with insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly for 3 weeks